Topic C

Topic C [156 marks]
1. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.13

An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength that is about the size of
the diameter of an atom.
What region of the electromagnetic spectrum does the wave belong

to?
A. Infrared
B. Visible light
C. Ultraviolet
D. X-ray [1]
Markscheme
D
A particle undergoes simple harmonic motion of period T . At time
t = 0 the particle is at its equilibrium position.
What is t when the particle is at its greatest distance from the

equilibrium position?
A. T
B. T
C. 3T
D. T [1]
Markscheme
C
Diagram 1 shows the variation with position of the displacement of a
standing wave formed on a string.

travelling wave moving to the right along a string.
Points P, Q, R and S are points on the string.
What is the phase difference between P and Q and the phase

difference between R and S?
[1]
Markscheme
C
A mass of 0.25 kg hangs from a spring of spring constant 4.0 N m−1.
What is the natural frequency of oscillation for this system?
A. 0.50 Hz
B. 0.64 Hz
C. 1.6 Hz
D. 2.0 Hz [1]
Markscheme
B
5. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.18
An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength that is about the size of
the diameter of an atom.
What region of the electromagnetic spectrum does the wave belong

to?
A. Infrared
B. Visible light
C. Ultraviolet
D. X-ray [1]
Markscheme
D
A particle undergoes simple harmonic motion of period T . At time
t = 0 the particle is at its equilibrium position.
What is t when the particle is at its greatest distance from the

equilibrium position?
A. T
B. T
C. 3T
D. T [1]
Markscheme
C
standing wave formed on a string.

travelling wave moving to the right along a string.
Points P, Q, R and S are points on the string.
What is the phase difference between P and Q and the phase

difference between R and S?
[1]
Markscheme
C
A mass of 0.25 kg hangs from a spring of spring constant 4.0 N m−1.
What is the natural frequency of oscillation for this system?
A. 0.50 Hz
B. 0.64 Hz
C. 1.6 Hz
D. 2.0 Hz [1]
Markscheme
B
Light from a monochromatic source is incident on a single slit and the
resulting diffraction pattern is viewed on a screen. The graph shows the
variation of intensity with distance on the screen.
The intensity of the source remains the same. The width of the slit is
increased.
Which graph correctly shows the variation of intensity after the

change? The original curve is shown with a dashed line.
[1]
Markscheme
D
Monochromatic light is incident on a diffraction grating. The diffraction
pattern from the diffraction grating is then formed on a screen.
Only the central maximum and the first-order maxima can be observed
on the screen.
What change will allow the second-order maxima to be observed on

the screen?
A. Decrease the distance between the diffraction grating and the

source of light
B. Increase the distance between the diffraction grating and the screen
C. Increase the wavelength of the monochromatic light
D. Reduce the number of lines per unit length of the diffraction grating [1]
Markscheme
D
11. [Maximum mark: 5] SPM.2.SL.TZ0.2
In a microwave oven electromagnetic waves are emitted so that a standing wave
pattern is established inside the oven.
A flat piece of chocolate is placed inside the oven and the microwaves are
switched on. The chocolate is stationary.
Melted spots form on the surface of the chocolate. The diagram shows the
pattern of melting on the chocolate. Each square has a length of 1 cm.
(a) Outline how this standing wave pattern of melted spots is

formed. [2]
Markscheme
standing waves form «in the oven» by superposition / constructive

interference ✓
energy transfer is greatest at the antinodes «of the standing wave
pattern» ✓
(b) Determine, taking appropriate measurements from the

diagram, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves in the
oven. [3]
Markscheme
λ = 12. 2 «cm» ✓
8
c 3.0×10
f «= »= −1
✓
λ 1.22×10
f = 2. 46 GHz ✓ correct answer only including power of ten
Allow λ±2 mm.
Condone power of ten error in MP2 only.

12. [Maximum mark: 5] SPM.2.HL.TZ0.3
In a microwave oven electromagnetic waves are emitted so that a standing wave
pattern is established inside the oven.
A flat piece of chocolate is placed inside the oven and the microwaves are
switched on. The chocolate is stationary.
Melted spots form on the surface of the chocolate. The diagram shows the
pattern of melting on the chocolate. Each square has a length of 1 cm.
(a) Outline how this standing wave pattern of melted spots is

formed. [2]
Markscheme
standing waves form «in the oven» by superposition / constructive

interference ✓
energy transfer is greatest at the antinodes «of the standing wave
pattern» ✓
(b) Determine, taking appropriate measurements from the

diagram, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves in the
oven. [3]
Markscheme
λ = 12. 2 «cm» ✓
8
c 3.0×10
f «= »= −1
✓
λ 1.22×10
f = 2. 46 GHz ✓ correct answer only including power of ten
Allow λ±2 mm.
Condone power of ten error in MP2 only.

13. [Maximum mark: 20] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.2
An Alpine village uses an electric tram system to transport visitors from a lower
station up to an upper station at the village. The length of the tramline is 3.0 km
and the gradient of the tramline is a constant 10°.
The tram has a weight of 5.0 × 104 N and can carry a maximum of 75 passengers
of average weight 710 N.
The energy is supplied to each tram through a single overhead cable with a
resistance per unit length of 0.024 Ω km−1. The tram rails are used for the return
path of the current. The return path and the connections from the cable to the
electric motor in the tram have negligible resistance.
The power supply maintains a constant emf of 500 V between the rails and the
cable at the upper station.
Assume that the current through the motor is constant at 600 A and that the
motor efficiency is always 0.90 for the entire range of voltages available to the
tram.
(a) A tram is just leaving the lower railway station.
Determine, as the train leaves the lower station,
(a.i) the pd across the motor of the tram, [2]
Markscheme
Resistance of cable = 0.072 Ω ✓
Pd is (500 − 0.072 × 600) = 457 V ✓
(a.ii) the mechanical power output of the motor. [2]
Markscheme
Power input = 457 × 600 = 274 kW ✓
Power output = 0.9 × 274 = 247 kW ✓
(b) Discuss the variation in the power output of the motor with
distance from the lower station. [2]
Markscheme
The pd across the motor increases as the tram travels up the track ✓
(As the current is constant), the power output also rises ✓
(c) The total friction in the system acting on the tram is equivalent
to an opposing force of 750 N.
For one particular journey, the tram is full of passengers.
Estimate the maximum speed v of the tram as it leaves the lower

station. [4]
Markscheme
Total weight of tram = 75 × 710 + 5 × 104 = 1.03 × 105 N ✓
Total force down track = 750 + 1.03 × 105 sin (10) = 1.87 × 104 N ✓
Use of P= F × v ✓
(v = 247 000 ÷ 1.87 × 104)= 13 m s−1 ✓
(d) The tram travels at v throughout the journey. Two trams are
available so that one is returning to the lower station on
another line while the other is travelling to the village. The
journeys take the same time.
It takes 1.5 minutes to unload and 1.5 minutes to load each

tram. Ignore the time taken to accelerate the tram at the
beginning and end of the journey.
Estimate the maximum number of passengers that can be

carried up to the village in one hour. [4]
Markscheme
Time for run = s/v = 3000 ÷ 13.2 = 227 s ✓
3 minutes loading = 180 s
So one trip = 407 s ✓
And there are 3600/407 trips per hour = 8.84 ✓
So 8 complete trips with 75 = 600 passengers ✓
(e) There are eight wheels on each tram with a brake system for
each wheel. A pair of brake pads clamp firmly onto an annulus
made of steel.
The train comes to rest from speed v. Ignore the energy

transferred to the brake pads and the change in the
gravitational potential energy of the tram during the braking.
Calculate the temperature change in each steel annulus as the

tram comes to rest.
Data for this question
The inner radius of the annulus is 0.40 m and the outer radius is
0.50 m.
The thickness of the annulus is 25 mm.
The density of the steel is 7860 kg m−3

[4]
The specific heat capacity of the steel is 420 J kg−1 K−1
Markscheme
Work leading to volume = 7.1 x 10−3 m3 ✓
Work leading to mass of steel = 55 .8 kg ✓
Kinetic Energy transferred per annulus =

1 2
mv 1 1.03×10
5
2 2
= × × 13
8 16 9.81
= 110 kJ ✓
5
Ek 1.1×10
ΔT = = = 4. 7 K ✓
mc 55.8×420
(f ) The speed of the tram is measured by detecting a beam of

microwaves of wavelength 2.8 cm reflected from the rear of the
tram as it moves away from the station. Predict the change in
wavelength of the microwaves at the stationary microwave
detector in the station. [2]
Markscheme
Δλ v
Use of λ
≈
c
✓
1.2 nm ✓
14. [Maximum mark: 20] EXE.2.HL.TZ0.2
A geophone is an instrument designed to measure the movement of ground
rocks.
When the ground moves, the magnet-spring system oscillates relative to the coil.
An emf is generated in the coil. The magnitude of this emf is proportional to the
speed of the magnet relative to the coil.
(a.i) State the movement direction for which the geophone has its
greatest sensitivity. [1]
Markscheme
Vertical direction / parallel to springs ✓
(a.ii) Outline how an emf is generated in the coil. [2]
Markscheme
The magnetic field moves relative to the coil ✓

As field lines cut the coil, forces act on (initially stationary) electrons in the
wire (and these move producing an emf ) ✓
(a.iii) Explain why the magnitude of the emf is related to the

amplitude of the ground movement. [3]
Markscheme
The springs have a natural time period for the oscillation ✓
A greater amplitude of movement leads to higher magnet speed (with

constant time period) ✓
So field lines cut coil more quickly leading to greater emf ✓
(a.iv) In one particular event, a maximum emf of 65 mV is generated

in the geophone. The geophone coil has 150 turns.
Calculate the rate of flux change that leads to this emf. [2]
Markscheme
Δ(N Φ)
Use of ε = −
Δt
✓
−3
ΔΦ 65×10
= (−)
Δt 150
= 0. 43 mWb s
−1 ✓
(b) Suggest two changes to the system that will make the
geophone more sensitive. [4]
Markscheme
Any two suggestions from:

Increase number of turns in coil ✓
Because more flux cutting per cycle ✓
Increase field strength of magnet ✓

So that there are more field lines ✓
Change mass-spring system so that time period decreases ✓

So magnet will be moving faster for given amplitude of movement ✓
The geophone is mounted on the ground at point Z and an explosion is

produced at point W some distance away. Sound from the explosion travels to
the geophone via the clay layer in the ground.
Diagram not to scale
The speed of sound in clay is 3.00 km s−1; the speed of sound in sandstone is 4.70
km s−1
(c.i) Show that, when sound travels from clay to sandstone, the
critical angle is approximately 40°.
[2]
Markscheme
cns = = 1. 57 ✓
3.0
4.7
Critical angle = sin

−1
(
1
1.57
) = 39. 6° ✓
(c.ii) The angle between the clay–air surface and path 1 is 80°.
Draw, on the diagram, the subsequent path of a sound wave

that travels initially in the clay along path 1. [2]
Markscheme
ray shown reflected back into the clay (and then to Z) at (by eye) the
incidence angle ✓
ray shown refracted into the sandstone with angle of refraction greater
than angle of incidence (by eye) ✓
Another explosion is produced at X. The sound from this explosion is detected

twice at the geophone at Z. Some sound travels directly from X to Z through clay
along path 2. Other sound travels through clay via Y along path 3.
The vertical thickness of the clay layer is d. The distance XZ is 80.0 m.
The time between the arrival of the sounds due to the path difference is 6.67 ms.
(d) Calculate d. [4]
Markscheme
distance difference = (3000 × 0. 00667 =)19. 8 m ✓
½ distance difference = 9. 9 m so YZ = 49. 9 m ✓
2 2
) ) = √ 49. 9 − 40 ✓
XZ 2
d = (√ YZ − (
2
2
29.8 m ✓
OR
Recognises situation as (almost) 3:4:5 triangle ✓

30 m (1 sf answer only accepted in this route) ✓
15. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.SL.TZ1.14
A wave is travelling on a string. The graphs show the variation of the
displacement of the string with distance and the variation of the
displacement of a particle on the string with time.
What is the speed of the wave?
A. 2.0 cm s−1
B. 2.5 cm s−1
C. 8.0 cm s−1
D. 10 cm s−1 [1]
Markscheme
A
A wave is travelling from medium 1 to medium 2.
Medium 1 has a refractive index n1 and medium 2 has a refractive index

n2. The wavelength of the wave in medium 1 is λ1 and in medium 2 is λ
2. What is correct for the comparison of the refractive indices and
wavelengths?
[1]
Markscheme
C
A double-slit interference pattern is produced using monochromatic
light. What colour of light produces an interference pattern with the
largest fringe separation?
A. Blue
B. Green
C. Yellow
D. Red [1]
Markscheme

The first harmonic of a standing sound wave is established in a tube
with one end open and one end closed. When the length of the tube is
increased by 0.10 m the next harmonic is formed. What is the
wavelength of the sound?
A. 0.10 m
B. 0.13 m
C. 0.20 m
D. 0.40 m [1]
Markscheme
C
A. 2.0 cm s−1
B. 2.5 cm s−1
C. 8.0 cm s−1
D. 10 cm s−1 [1]
Markscheme
A

wavelengths?
[1]
Markscheme
C
A double-slit interference pattern is produced using monochromatic
light. What colour of light produces an interference pattern with the
largest fringe separation?
A. Blue
B. Green
C. Yellow
D. Red [1]
Markscheme

A. 0.10 m
B. 0.13 m
C. 0.20 m
D. 0.40 m [1]
Markscheme
C
23. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ1.11
A. 2.0 cm s−1
B. 2.5 cm s−1
C. 8.0 cm s−1
D. 10 cm s−1 [1]
Markscheme
A
A particle executes simple harmonic oscillations. What is the
phase angle between the displacement and the acceleration?
A. zero
π
B. 4
π
C. 2
D. π [1]
Markscheme
D

wavelengths?
[1]
Markscheme
C
A. 0.10 m
B. 0.13 m
C. 0.20 m
D. 0.40 m [1]
Markscheme
C
A particle is executing simple harmonic oscillations with total energy
E and amplitude x0.
What is the kinetic energy of the particle when the displacement from
x0
the equilibrium position is 2
?
A. E
B. E
C. 3E
E √3
D. 2
[1]
Markscheme

An interference intensity pattern is obtained in an experiment with 4
slits. What change occurs when the number of slits is increased but the
separation of the slits and the width of the slits do not change?
A. The width of the primary maxima decreases.
B. The position of the primary maxima changes.
C. The number of secondary maxima decreases.
D. The intensity of the secondary maxima increases. [1]
Markscheme
A
A siren emits sound of wavelength λ and speed c when at rest. The
siren now moves towards a stationary observer at speed v. What is the
wavelength and the speed of the sound received by the observer
when v is much less than c?
[1]
Markscheme
B
A. 2.0 cm s−1
B. 2.5 cm s−1
C. 8.0 cm s−1
D. 10 cm s−1 [1]
Markscheme
A
A particle executes simple harmonic oscillations. What is the
phase angle between the displacement and the acceleration?
A. zero
π
B. 4
π
C. 2
D. π [1]
Markscheme
D

wavelengths?
[1]
Markscheme
C
A. 0.10 m
B. 0.13 m
C. 0.20 m
D. 0.40 m [1]
Markscheme
C
A particle is executing simple harmonic oscillations with total energy
E and amplitude x0.
What is the kinetic energy of the particle when the displacement from
x0
the equilibrium position is 2
?
A. E
B. E
C. 3E
E √3
D. 2
[1]
Markscheme

An interference intensity pattern is obtained in an experiment with 4
slits. What change occurs when the number of slits is increased but the
separation of the slits and the width of the slits do not change?
A. The width of the primary maxima decreases.
B. The position of the primary maxima changes.
C. The number of secondary maxima decreases.
D. The intensity of the secondary maxima increases. [1]
Markscheme
A
A siren emits sound of wavelength λ and speed c when at rest. The
siren now moves towards a stationary observer at speed v. What is the
wavelength and the speed of the sound received by the observer
when v is much less than c?
[1]
Markscheme
B
37. [Maximum mark: 11] 23N.2.SL.TZ1.2
Monochromatic light enters the base of a plastic beaker that contains water with
an oil layer floating on it. A student draws a diagram to show the directions the
light takes as it passes through the layers. The student’s diagram has one error at
position A and one error at position B. The refractive indices of the materials are
shown on the diagram.
The light is refracted at an angle of 32° when it enters the plastic layer as shown.
(a) State, with a reason, the error in the student’s diagram for
(a.i) light crossing the plastic–water interface (position A). [2]
Markscheme
the angle of refraction ought to be greater than the angle of incidence OR

the ray should refract away from the normal ✔
because ray goes from high refractive index/<<optically>> more
dense/slower medium to low refractive index/optically less dense/faster
medium ✔
Do not allow use of e.g n1 unless medium one is described e.g. nair
(a.ii) light at the water–oil interface (position B). [2]
Markscheme
there should be a <<transmitted>> ray in the oil
OR
total internal reflection is not possible ✔
because ray goes from low refractive index/<<optically>> less dense/faster

medium to high refractive index/<<optically>> more dense/slower
medium ✔
(b) Calculate the angle of incidence at the air–plastic interface. [2]
Markscheme
Use of Snell’s Law « sin

sin i
r
=
1.60
1
»✔
−1
i = sin «1. 60 × sin 32°» = 58 «°» ✔
‘Use of’ requires a substitution NOT just a statement of a formula

Accept 1.0 rad (unit must be included to show a deliberate attempt to use rad rather than a calculator
mistake)
(c) Calculate the critical angle for the plastic–water interface. [2]
Markscheme
sin i
sin r
=
1.33
1.60
and sin r = 1✔
« sin 0. 831» = 56«°» ✔

−1
i =
Accept 0.98 rad (unit required)

(d) The student hypothesizes that the partially-reflected ray of light
from the bottom surface of the plastic is polarized.
(d.i) Outline what is meant by polarization. [1]
Markscheme
Oscillations « of electric field vector » in one/same plane ✔
Do not allow oscillations in one direction
(d.ii) Explain how the hypothesis can be tested experimentally. [2]
Markscheme
Rotation/change of alignment of polarizing filter ✔

changes intensity ✔
38. [Maximum mark: 11] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.2
Markscheme
the angle of refraction ought to be greater than the angle of incidence OR

the ray should refract away from the normal ✔
medium ✔
Markscheme
OR

medium ✔
Markscheme

sin i
r
=
1.60
1
»✔
−1
i = sin «1. 60 × sin 32°» = 58 «°» ✔

mistake)
Markscheme
sin i
sin r
=
1.33
1.60
and sin r = 1✔
« sin 0. 831» = 56«°» ✔

−1
i =

Markscheme
Markscheme

39. [Maximum mark: 15] 23N.2.HL.TZ1.2
Markscheme
the angle of refraction ought to be greater than the angle of

incidence OR the ray should refract away from the normal ✔
medium ✔
Markscheme
OR

medium ✔
Markscheme

sin i
r
=
1.60
1
»✔
−1
i = sin «1. 60 × sin 32°» = 58 «°» ✔

mistake)
Markscheme
sin i
sin r
=
1.33
1.60
and sin r = 1✔
« sin 0. 831» = 56«°» ✔

−1
i =

Markscheme
Markscheme

(e) Monochromatic light of wavelength 6.3 × 10−7 m in air is

incident from above at a normal to the oil layer. Rays on the
diagram are shown at near-normal incidence for clarity. Three
positions X, Y and Z are shown on the diagram.
(e.i) Identify, with a reason, a position at which there is a phase

change of 180°. [1]
Markscheme
position X because light reflects off the medium of higher refractive index
✔
Allow correct references to optical density or speed as in previous questions

A statement of X and that the refractive index of oil is greater than the refractive index of air is sufficient
(e.ii) Determine the minimum thickness of the oil layer for which
light is not reflected. State your answer to an appropriate
number of significant figures. [3]
Markscheme
Use of 2dn = mλ ✔
2.1×10−7 « m » ✔
any answer to 2 s.f. ✔

The table shows some of the energy levels for a hydrogen atom.
(a) Discuss one difference between an atom in an excited state and

an atom in an ionized state. [1]
Markscheme
Excited state - electron bound to atom/nucleus/proton OR Ionised state –

electron free from/not bound to atom ✔
(b) Explain how electromagnetic radiation is emitted from a

hydrogen atom in an excited state. [2]
Markscheme
Electron/atom loses energy OR electron/atom moves to a lower energy state

✔
by emitting a/one photon ✔
(c) When radiation of wavelength 6.6 × 10−7 m is incident on cold

hydrogen gas some of it is absorbed by the gas.
(c.i) State the region of the electromagnetic spectrum of this

radiation. [1]
Markscheme
visible «light» ✔
Accept orange/red light
(c.ii) Determine the initial and final states of the hydrogen atom that
are involved in this absorption. [3]
Markscheme
Use of E
hc
=
λ
OR
energy change = « λ »3. 0 × 10

hc −19
« J» ✔
conversion to eV giving 1.88 OR 1.89 «eV» ✔

transition is from 2 to 3 ✔

A bald statement of 1.88 OR 1.89 <<eV>> scores MP1 and MP2.
The diagram shows a point source of sound S on the edge of a horizontal
turntable that rotates about a vertical axis. The sound is detected using a small
stationary frequency meter placed 0.78 m from the axis of the turntable. The
turntable has a radius of 0.28 m. The linear speed of S is much less than the speed
of sound.
The graph shows the variation of the detected frequency with rotation angle θ
for one revolution of the turntable.
(a.i) State, on the diagram, the position of S for which the detected
frequency is at a maximum. Label this position A. [1]
Markscheme
about 11 o’clock position on turntable ✔
In the region shown
(a.ii) Outline why this maximum frequency shift does not occur
when θ = 90° or when θ = 270°. [2]
Markscheme
maximum frequency shift occurs when velocity of source relative to

frequency meter is maximum ✔
<<maximum velocity of source is>>when S moves directly towards
frequency meter ✔
(b) Determine the angular speed of the turntable. The speed of

sound is 330 m s−1. State an appropriate unit for your answer. [5]
Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1
Δf =10.5 «Hz» ✔
Range 10 – 11 Hz
10.5 vs
=
440 330
vs = 7.9 <<m s
−1>> v == 7.9 «ms−1» ✔
s
Range 7.5 – 8.3 m s −1
ω=«
v
r
=»28 ✔
Range 27 – 30 rad s −1
rad s−1 ✔
ALTERNATIVE 2
Observed frequency = 450.5 OR 430 <<Hz>> ✔
Range 450 – 451 OR 429 – 431
Use of f' = f (v/v±us) ✔
us = 7.7 <<m s−1>> ✔
Range 7.5 – 8.0
omega <<= v/r>> = 28 ✔
Range 27 – 30
rad s−1 ✔
A mass-spring system undergoes damped oscillations with a time period of 5.0 s.
At t=0, the system is at maximum displacement. The graph shows the variation
of the total energy of the system with time.
(a) Draw, on the axes, a graph to show how the potential energy of
the system varies with time. [2]
Markscheme
first maximum at t=0, second maximum at t=2.5 and third maximum at t=

5s✔
maxima must touch the other curve and minima the time axis ✔
Allow [1] for half the cycle drawn over the 5 seconds
(a.i) Calculate the Q factor for the system. [1]
Markscheme
«Q=2π× 10
5
=» 4π ≈ 13 ✔
(a.ii) Draw, on the axes, a graph to show how the potential energy of
the system varies with time. [2]
Markscheme
first maximum at t=0, second maximum at t=2.5 and third maximum at t=

5s✔
maxima must touch the other curve and minima the time axis ✔
Allow [1] for half the cycle drawn over the 5 seconds
(b) Explain why engineers must consider resonance when

designing structures. [2]
Markscheme
because structures will develop large amplitudes / close to the natural

frequency ✔
these can lead to collapse of the structure ✔
Markscheme
the angle of refraction ought to be greater than the angle of

incidence OR the ray should refract away from the normal ✔
medium ✔
Markscheme
OR

medium ✔
Markscheme

sin i
r
=
1.60
1
»✔
−1
i = sin «1. 60 × sin 32°» = 58 «°» ✔

mistake)
Markscheme
sin i
sin r
=
1.33
1.60
and sin r = 1✔
« sin 0. 831» = 56«°» ✔

−1
i =

Markscheme
Markscheme

(e) Monochromatic light of wavelength 6.3 × 10−7 m in air is

incident from above at a normal to the oil layer. Rays on the
diagram are shown at near-normal incidence for clarity. Three
positions X, Y and Z are shown on the diagram.
(e.i) Identify, with a reason, a position at which there is a phase

change of 180°. [1]
Markscheme
position X because light reflects off the medium of higher refractive index
✔
Allow correct references to optical density or speed as in previous questions

A statement of X and that the refractive index of oil is greater than the refractive index of air is sufficient
(e.ii) Determine the minimum thickness of the oil layer for which
light is not reflected. State your answer to an appropriate
number of significant figures. [3]
Markscheme
Use of 2dn = mλ ✔
2.1×10−7 « m » ✔
any answer to 2 s.f. ✔
© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2024

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Topic C [156 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.13

What region of the electromagnetic spectrum does the wave belong

What is t when the particle is at its greatest distance from the

Diagram 2 shows the variation with position of the displacement of a

Points P, Q, R and S are points on the string.

What is the phase difference between P and Q and the phase

What is the natural frequency of oscillation for this system?

What region of the electromagnetic spectrum does the wave belong

What is t when the particle is at its greatest distance from the

Diagram 2 shows the variation with position of the displacement of a

Points P, Q, R and S are points on the string.

What is the phase difference between P and Q and the phase

What is the natural frequency of oscillation for this system?

Which graph correctly shows the variation of intensity after the

What change will allow the second-order maxima to be observed on

A. Decrease the distance between the diffraction grating and the

C. Increase the wavelength of the monochromatic light

(a) Outline how this standing wave pattern of melted spots is

standing waves form «in the oven» by superposition / constructive

(b) Determine, taking appropriate measurements from the

f = 2. 46 GHz ✓ correct answer only including power of ten

Allow λ±2 mm.

Condone power of ten error in MP2 only.

(a) Outline how this standing wave pattern of melted spots is

standing waves form «in the oven» by superposition / constructive

(b) Determine, taking appropriate measurements from the

f = 2. 46 GHz ✓ correct answer only including power of ten

Allow λ±2 mm.

Condone power of ten error in MP2 only.

(a) A tram is just leaving the lower railway station.

Determine, as the train leaves the lower station,

(a.i) the pd across the motor of the tram, [2]

Pd is (500 − 0.072 × 600) = 457 V ✓

(a.ii) the mechanical power output of the motor. [2]

Power input = 457 × 600 = 274 kW ✓

Power output = 0.9 × 274 = 247 kW ✓

(As the current is constant), the power output also rises ✓

For one particular journey, the tram is full of passengers.

Estimate the maximum speed v of the tram as it leaves the lower

Total weight of tram = 75 × 710 + 5 × 104 = 1.03 × 105 N ✓

It takes 1.5 minutes to unload and 1.5 minutes to load each

Estimate the maximum number of passengers that can be

Time for run = s/v = 3000 ÷ 13.2 = 227 s ✓

3 minutes loading = 180 s

So one trip = 407 s ✓

And there are 3600/407 trips per hour = 8.84 ✓

So 8 complete trips with 75 = 600 passengers ✓

The train comes to rest from speed v. Ignore the energy

Calculate the temperature change in each steel annulus as the

The thickness of the annulus is 25 mm.

The density of the steel is 7860 kg m−3

Work leading to volume = 7.1 x 10−3 m3 ✓

Work leading to mass of steel = 55 .8 kg ✓

Kinetic Energy transferred per annulus =

(f ) The speed of the tram is measured by detecting a beam of

Vertical direction / parallel to springs ✓

(a.ii) Outline how an emf is generated in the coil. [2]

The magnetic field moves relative to the coil ✓

(a.iii) Explain why the magnitude of the emf is related to the